Tom Petersen, Author at Omaha Criminal Defense Lawyer

Nebraska Penalties for Dealing

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Since the War on Drugs began almost 50 years ago in the United States, most states have increased the severity of their drug related criminal offenses as well as ramped up the potential punishments for violating any of those laws. If you were recently arrested and charged with violating Nebraska’s “dealing” laws, you likely face the possibility of being sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment if you are ultimately convicted of that offense. Only an experienced Nebraska drug defense lawyer can discuss the specific facts and circumstances of your case with you; however, you may find it helpful to

Continue Reading Nebraska Penalties for Dealing

Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer in Nebraska

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Violent Crimes on Tuesday, May 8, 2018

You undoubtedly already know that the criminal offense of assault carried with it some serious penalties if convicted. This is, in part, because assault is considered a violent crime. If the victim of the assault was a law enforcement officer, as you can imagine, you are facing even harsher penalties for a conviction as an Omaha assault lawyer from Petersen Criminal Defense Law explains. Assault of an Officer in the First Degree Nebraska Revised Statute 28-929 governs assault on an officer in the first degree, reading as follows: (1) A person commits the offense of assault on an officer, an

Continue Reading Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer in Nebraska

Does Going through Rehab Help My Case?

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Contrary to what many people believe, not everyone who commits a criminal offense is a criminal. Some are average people who had a momentary lapse in judgment, some are people who suffer from mental illness, and still others are struggling with addiction. If you are facing criminal charges that stem from an underlying drug addiction, you may be wondering if completing a rehabilitation program will help your case. A Nebraska drug defense lawyer discusses the impact rehab may have on your case, and your life. Drug Addiction and Crime No one involved in the criminal justice system, nor in the

Continue Reading Does Going through Rehab Help My Case?

Can the Police Lie to a Suspect?

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Criminal Law on Tuesday, April 24, 2018

When a police officer questions a suspect, the ultimate goal is to get the suspect to confess to committing the crime. A seasoned detective typically has a fairly large bag of tricks he/she can use when trying to elicit a confession, including deception. Yep, the police are generally allowed to trick you, or lie to you, when trying to get you to confess. Moreover, the fact that the police lied to you doesn’t render that confession involuntary absent additional facts and circumstances. An Omaha criminal defense attorney offers some insight into police deception and how it might impact your defense.

Continue Reading Can the Police Lie to a Suspect?

I-80 Drug Stop Lawyer Discusses Recent Stops

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Thursday, April 12, 2018

For residents of Nebraska, drug busts along the state’s Interstate 80 may seem like a daily occurrence. Although that might be an exaggeration, the truth is that I-80 is a well-known route for drugs coming up from Central and South America that are on route to the east and west coasts of the United States. If you were recently stopped along I-80, or anywhere in the State of Nebraska, and charged with a drug-related offense, the most important thing you can do to protect your rights is to consult with an experienced I-80 drug stop lawyer right away. The following

Continue Reading I-80 Drug Stop Lawyer Discusses Recent Stops

Omaha Criminal Attorney Explains Probation Violations

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Criminal Law on Thursday, April 5, 2018

If you are convicted of a criminal offense, one of the sentencing options available to the judge may be a period of time on probation. Because time spent on probation means time not spent n jail/prison, most defendants push for probation. In some cases, this is not wise because the reality is that the rules and conditions of probation can be difficult to abide by for some people, particularly for a lengthy period of time. If you are considering a guilt plea agreement that requires you to spend a period of time on probation, of you are set for sentencing

Continue Reading Omaha Criminal Attorney Explains Probation Violations

10 Steps to Take after Being Arrested

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Criminal Defense on Tuesday, March 27, 2018

No one actually plans on being arrested. Even career criminals count on their luck and cunning to prevent an arrest. It could happen though. Whether it’s because your luck has run out or because you are the victim of mistaken identity, you could find yourself in handcuffs one day with a police officer reading you your rights. If that day does ever come to pass, being prepared and knowing what to do next could be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. With that in mind, a Nebraska criminal defense attorney has prepared the following “10 Steps to Take

Continue Reading 10 Steps to Take after Being Arrested

Omaha Violent Crime Attorney Explains Conspiracy

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Criminal Law on Thursday, March 22, 2018

With the ubiquitous nature of police and court dramas on television, the average person in America has a fairly large legal vocabulary. One term that is a favorite in television police dramas and even Hollywood films is “conspiracy.” It seems someone is always involved in a conspiracy to commit a seriously dangerous crime. Having heard the term so often you may think you have a good idea what it means; however, if you are ever actually charged with conspiracy, you need to understand how the law defines the term. Toward that end, an Omaha violent crime attorney explains how conspiracy

Continue Reading Omaha Violent Crime Attorney Explains Conspiracy

Omaha Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain Jury Selection

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Criminal Defense on Tuesday, March 20, 2018

If you have been accused of committing a criminal offense, one of the most important decisions you will make over the course of the prosecution of your case is whether to let a jury decide your fate or not. Given the importance of this decision, it should only be made after a lengthy consultation with your criminal defense attorney. In the meantime, however, it may help to learn more about what happens at a jury trial. Toward that end, the Omaha criminal defense lawyers at Petersen Criminal Defense Law explain the jury selection process. Your Right to a Trial by

Continue Reading Omaha Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain Jury Selection

Drug Defense Attorney Discusses Common Defenses for Possession Charges

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Friday, March 16, 2018

If the State of Nebraska has filed charges against you for possession of a controlled substance, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and to discuss possible defense strategies. In the last several decades, it has become increasingly problematic to have a criminal conviction on your record, particularly a drug-related conviction. Although every criminal prosecution is unique, a Nebraska drug defense attorney discusses some common defenses for possession charges that might be used to help you avoid a conviction in your case.

Continue Reading Drug Defense Attorney Discusses Common Defenses for Possession Charges

Federal Crimes

Drug Crimes

Sex Crimes

Theft Crimes

Violent Crimes